Role of Surface Pores on Fouling of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membranes in Submerged Membrane Bioreactors

[摘要] In this study, the roles of surface pores on membrane fouling was investigated using three membranes in two lab-scale membrane bioreactors. Characterization of the pristine membranes revealed that increasing polymer concentration decreases pore sizes and porosity. Critical flux was found to decrease with decreasing pore sizes. The finding was consistent for both MBRs. The results of the long-term filtration were in agreement with the flux-stepping test. The fouling layer was easily removed and only a few small particles remained as were observed with scanning electron microscopy. Surface pore sizes and porosity declined for all cleaned membranes, indicating permanent pore blocking, and the effect was higher for membranes with larger pore size.

[发布机构] Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak; 32610, Malaysia^1;Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2461, Leuven; 3001, Belgium^2

[效力级别] 自然科学

[关键词] Critical flux;Fouling layers;Membrane bioreactor;Polymer concentrations;Polyvinylidene fluoride membranes;Pristine membranes;Small particles;Submerged membrane bioreactors